William E. ""Bill"" Menze

MADISON/PRAIRIE DU CHIEN
William E. ""Bill"" Menze, age 94 passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at Meriter Hospital. He was born in Ottertail, MN on December 22, 1916 to Christian and Dorthea (Frietag) Menze. He attended schools in Ottertail, high school at Concordia College, and received a BA degree from La Salle University. He married Ethel Christinson in Vining, MN and had one son, Darold. Bill was employed by Union Carbide LP Gas Division in East Grand Forks, MN. In 1952, he transferred to Madison to be the District Manager. He later became Assistant to the Regional Vice President for a five state region. In 1955, he married Irene Arneal. They lived in Madison until 1974, when Bill was transferred to Prairie du Chien. He retired in 1981. Bill then became the Executive Director of the Prairie du Chien Housing Authority, a position he held until April 2000. In April 2000 Bill moved back to Madison and lived at the Meriter Retirement Center (now Capitol Lakes).

Bill joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles in 1942, making him a 69 plus year member. He was secretary of the East Grand Forks Aerie in Minnesota for 4 years. He served as Secretary for Madison Aerie #623 for 15 years, and State Secretary for 33 years. He also served in many other capacities in the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was elected into the Wisconsin State Aerie Hall of Fame in 1981 and the National Hall of fame in 2008.

Bill was past Master of the Masons in Prairie du Chien and a member of the Zor Shrine, where he served as President of the Southwestern Zor Shrine Club. He was a life member of the Zor Shrine Directors Staff of Madison, a Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Prairie du Chien, and served on many other civic and fraternal committees. He was a member of Bashford United Methodist Church in Madison.

Bill is survived by his step-children, Judy, Donna, Eugene, and David; nine step-grandchildren; and 14 step-great-grandchildren; many relatives in Minnesota and South Dakota and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Darold (2008), his wife Irene (1999), step-grandson, Scott (2010), his parents, five brothers, and two sisters.

Memorials may be made to the Bashford United Methodist Church or the Shriner's Children's Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Cress Funeral Home, 3325 E. Washington Ave Madison with Reverend Edmond White officiating. Family will greet friends from Noon until the time of service. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3325 E. Washington Ave.
Madison (608) 249-6666